Morgan Rogers Reveals England's Plan to Stop Erling Haaland Ahead of World Cup Clash

2026-07-08

England midfielder Morgan Rogers believes Erling Haaland may be almost impossible to stop, but he insists the key to beating Norway is limiting the service that reaches the Manchester City striker.

Haaland has been in sensational form throughout the World Cup, scoring seven goals to help Norway reach the quarterfinals. England will face Norway in Miami on Saturday, with a place in the semifinals at stake.

The Norwegian forward's incredible tournament run continues a remarkable season at club level. The 25-year-old won the Premier League Golden Boot for the third time in four years after scoring 27 goals in 35 appearances.

Norway shocked the football world by eliminating five-time champions Brazil in the previous round, but Rogers said the result was not surprising considering Haaland's current form.

"They have one of the best strikers in the world, and when he's on the pitch, anything can happen," Rogers said.

"You can never be surprised if Erling scores two goals and they win a game. He's done that so many times throughout his career. He just keeps doing it."

England's Challenge: Stop Haaland's Supply

When asked how England could contain the Norwegian superstar, Rogers admitted that few teams have ever managed to completely stop Haaland.

"Has anyone ever stopped Erling Haaland? I'm not sure they have, but we're going to have to try," the Aston Villa midfielder said.

"He's such an unbelievable player. The things he does and the numbers he produces are incredible. You can only admire how good he is and the level he continues to reach."

However, Rogers emphasized that England cannot focus only on Haaland.

"It's not just about him. They have other quality players as well, including players we face regularly in the Premier League, so we have to be aware of the whole team."

"They are a really good side. I think their biggest strength is that, as a team and as a unit, they are extremely strong."

Villa's Past Success Against Haaland

Rogers and England teammate Ezri Konsa have experience facing Haaland from their time at Aston Villa. Villa defeated Manchester City in three previous meetings where Haaland failed to score.

Despite that record, Rogers warned that past success means little against a player capable of changing a match instantly.

"We've done well in those games against City, but every match is different," Rogers said.

"He can just turn it on with the click of his fingers."

"We have to be extremely focused, understand the runs he makes, and know where he is inside the box. He can be incredibly dangerous."

Rogers also highlighted that stopping Haaland requires a collective defensive effort rather than relying on individual battles.

"I know we've had success against him before, and Ezri is a great defender who can compete against him, but stopping someone like that takes the whole team."

"We need to stop their supply line, understand how they create chances, and try to limit his opportunities as much as possible."

"It will be difficult because not many teams are able to do that."

With Haaland leading Norway's attack and England fighting for a place in the semifinals, the quarterfinal clash promises to be another major test of whether any defense can contain one of football's most dominant forwards.